Canadian assistant ref to make World Cup debut

Fletcher, a 37-year-old chartered accountant from St. Catharines, Ont., is part of a crew that also includes American referee Mark Geiger and fellow assistant Sean Hurd. (Stephen Brashear/AP)

TORONTO — Canadian assistant referee Joe Fletcher will work his first game at the World Cup on Saturday when Colombia plays Greece.

The Group C game is at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.

Fletcher, a 37-year-old chartered accountant from St. Catharines, Ont., is part of a crew that also includes American referee Mark Geiger and fellow assistant Sean Hurd.

The Canadian-American trio has already officiated at the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup, the 2012 Olympics and the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, among other tournaments.

Winnipeg assistant referee Hector Vergara worked the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups. Werner Winsemann was the first Canadian referee at the World Cup, working the 1974 and ’78 finals.

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